Scarpa North America Blog

Tag Archives: Phantom 8000 boots

SCARPA has been a longtime leader in the outdoor world, but our success can’t be measured only by the passion and tenacity of a chosen few. It takes the dedication of many people for a brand to be successful, and SCARPA has been blessed with many fruitful relationships, many of which are with stalwart sales representatives, “reps”, who by their own love of the mountains perpetuate the SCARPA ethos through hard work and dedication.

Two personalities SCARPA is proud to acknowledge are Michael Down of British Columbia, the recent recipient of SCARPA’s Rep of the Year; and Brian Block, a critical addition who divides his time between Iowa and Colorado. We’re lucky to have two capable (among many) colleagues who are both skilled mountaineers, fathers and resolute characters who bring a wealth of experience and personality to the SCARPA culture.

Brian Block loves the flexibility the sales rep job gives him. With two kids and an affinity for climbing big mountains, it’s hard to create a balance between business, family and free time. Still, he has an agenda that works. “If I didn’t push hard in family, in life, and in business,” he says, “I wouldn’t be myself for my kids.” He knows the difficulties that come with the territory, but he enjoys his current arrangement. “It’s great working with the best, cutting edge gear, and having a flexible schedule,” says Block, “But the people are what make it worthwhile.” Michael Down, who has four kids, and a self-proclaimed “fire for climbing,” echoes those sentiments. “I get to work with the best group of people in twenty years of being in the outdoor industry.” Continue reading...

Broadening horizons can definitely have its benefits. Sam Elias knows this. The mixed climbing pro just got back from an Everest expedition, a major departure for an individual who normally makes bigger waves in ice climbing festivals and sport climbing test pieces. What’s more, he’s left the west for the summer and is currently living in New York City, training hard, but also embracing the lifestyle change to hopefully retain a broader sense of self. We had the chance to speak with him briefly before he went to work on the docks along the East River. This fall the SCARPA athlete heads back to Europe to reacquaint himself with the sharp end. Continue reading...